The stigma around mental illness is slowly disappearing, but that doesn’t mean people understand depression and other forms of mental health any better. If anything, our society’s ignorance of mental health is only growing. That’s why it’s so important to understand the basics of depression in general.
With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about depression and mental health.
What is Depression?
Whenever people says they are depressed, they are oftentimes feeling sad that impacts all aspects of their life. Depression is caused by a number of things but among those that tops the list are the chemical imbalances in the brain. It causes a lack of interest in things that make people normally happy, such as hobbies, friends, and family.
To others, it could be triggered by major life events similar to a death of a loved-one, fired from a job and so forth.
Others, however, experience depression for no apparent reason.
Symptoms of depression
Although each person experiences depression differently, it’s often marked by feelings of sadness and emptiness, as well as a loss of motivation and drive.
Feelings of worthlessness and excessive guilt are also common, as well as poor concentration and lack of energy. People with depression may experience changes in appetite, too, such as being unable to eat enough or ingesting unusually high or low amounts of food.